Consciousness research conducted in the second half of the twentieth century brought revolutionary changes into psychology and psychotherapy regarding the nature of consciousness and its relationship to matter, dimensions of the human psyche, the roots of emotional and psychosomatic disorders, and therapeutic strategy. The new findings showed that the roots of emotional problems reach much deeper than postnatal biography, to domains not yet recognized by mainstream theoreticians and clinicians (perinatal and transpersonal). They also revealed new effective healing strategies that can reach these deep domains of the psyche.

This workshop explores Holotropic Breathwork, a psychospiritual experiential method developed by Stan and Christina Grof that is based on these new principles. It uses a combination of breathing, evocative music, focused bodywork, and mandala drawing to explore realms of the psyche ordinarily hidden to awareness. Holotropic sessions mediate access to emotionally relevant childhood memories and other biographical issues, sequences of psychological death and rebirth, and a broad spectrum of transpersonal experiences. Participants alternate in the roles of experiencers and "sitters" and the group is supported by a team of experienced trained facilitators.

*Course meets the qualifications for continuing education credit for MFTs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 13 CEs available.

*Course meets the qualifications for continuing education credit for RNs as required by the California Board of Registered Nursing provider number #02523. 13 CEs available.

*This course is also available for one unit of academic credit to CIIS students. Must attend full weekend.

Stanislav Grof, MD, is a psychiatrist with more than fifty years of experience in research of non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by psychedelic substances and various non-pharmacological methods. Currently, he is Professor of Psychology at CIIS, conducts professional training programs in Holotropic Breathwork and transpersonal psychology, and gives lectures and seminars worldwide. He is one of the founders and chief theoreticians of transpersonal psychology and the founding president of the International Transpersonal Association (ITA). In October 2007, he received the prestigious Vision 97 Award from the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation in Prague and in 2010 the Thomas R, Verny Award for his pivotal contributions to pre- and perinatal psychology.

Among his publications are over 150 papers in professional journals and the books Realms of the Human Unconscious; Beyond the Brain; LSD Psychotherapy; The Cosmic Game; Psychology of the Future; When the Impossible Happens; The Ultimate Journey; Healing Our Deepest Wounds; Spiritual Emergency; The Stormy Search for the Self; and Holotropic Breathwork (the last three with Christina Grof).